Could structural and noncompensatory Lenke 3 and 4C lumbar curves be nonstructural and compensatory? Lenke 1, 2, 3, and 4 curve types were similar and could be considered collectively as a single indication for selective thoracic fusion.

Study Design: Retrospective radiographical review.

Objective: To demonstrate that the structural and noncompensatory Lenke 3 and 4C lumbar curves could be nonstructural and compensatory.

Summary Of Background Data: Historically, Lenke 3 and 4C curves were not recommended for selective thoracic fusion (STF) because the lumbar curve was considered structural and noncompensatory.

Guan-Din method: a novel surgical technique for selective thoracic fusion to maximize the rate of selective thoracic fusion and compensatory correction.

Study Design: Retrospective radiographical review.

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of selective thoracic fusion (STF) by using the Guan-Din method for the treatment of major thoracic compensatory lumbar (MTCL) curves.

Summary Of Background Data: Performing STF for MTCL curves is to minimize the loss of lumbar motion and the risk of lumbar degeneration or pain.

Broader curve criteria for selective thoracic fusion.

Study Design: Retrospective radiographic review.

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of selective thoracic fusion (STF) by using cantilever bending technique (CBT) and the direct vertebral rotation (DVR) technique for major thoracic-compensatory lumbar (MTCL) curves selected by new curve criteria, which are broader than Lenke curve criteria for STF.

Summary Of Background Data: Surgical treatment of MTCL curves aims to maximize the number of MTCL curves that can be treated with STF and optimize instrumented thoracic and spontaneous lumbar correction.

Quality control of reconstructed sagittal balance for sagittal imbalance.

Study Design: Prospective radiographic study.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of controlling quality of reconstructed sagittal balance for sagittal imbalance.

Summary Of Background Data: Patients with sagittal imbalance cannot walk or stand erect without overwork of musculature because of compromised biomechanical advantage.

Correction hinge in the compromised cord for severe and rigid angular kyphosis with neurologic deficits.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Objective: To report the use of a reliable and safe technique for the surgical management of severe and rigid angular kyphotic deformities with neurologic deficits.

Summary Of Background Data: Severe and rigid angular kyphotic deformity can result in difficult to treat neurologic deficits.

Closing-opening wedge osteotomy for the treatment of sagittal imbalance.

Study Design: Closing-opening wedge osteotomy (COWO) had been performed by the senior author (K.C.) since 1998.